«12. . .3,1063,1073,1083,1093,1103,1113,112. . .3,1273,128»
Baan Malur, The Rootspire Council Hall
The Councillors were in the midst of a debate about raising the Siege ration to two Kama Eggs per Family, a surprisingly heated and emotional discussion. Rothyn Morvayn, a particularly portly Dunmer for such a martial position, insisted that they would spoil the civilians with two eggs, rather hypocritically, as he obviously had no wants for foodstuffs. Suddenly, the Legionnaires, Ashlanders, and miscellaneous adventurers burst into the room, inciting a great excitement with the suddenness of their entry.
The Troll called Trollz, affectionately dubbed "Nammu" by the people of Blacklight, attempted to warn of the situation, but his speech was slurred and accented, and the Dunmer were unable to understand. The Wood Elf, Maerwyn, spoke in his stead, telling them of the hundred ships spotted off the coast. The Redoran seemed dumbfounded; only minutes before they had been confident of an ensured victory. The Orc, Ser Mazog, once again insisted on calling the 
The Emperor of Tamriel to their aid. The Redoran, although shocked at the news, were still completely against Imperial aid, and stubbornly refused. Each had their own suggestions on who to call: The Great Houses, the Nords of Skyrim, perhaps even the Aldmeri Dominion? No option seemed particularly viable besides the Great Houses. But the question remained, which one to call?
Llethyn Ramoran and Rilms Sarethi suggested the Indoril. Arys Llethri and Vedam Arobar wanted Dres. Rothyn Morvayn wanted Sadras. Sarendil Arano wanted the Temple, which was in fact very smart, but the temple had been weakened significantly after the Tribunal vanished. Fathas Venim wanted no help at all, confident of the abilities of the Redoran against any number of Kamal and Tsaesci.
Garyn Redoran, the Archmaster as well as the head of House Redoran, listened thoroughly and thought of their remaining options. At that point, a great conflict was heard outside. The sound of trumpets and drums, as well as a great and fearful chant dominated the battlefield. The Kamal Army, having thought victory to be theirs with the Tsaesci reinforcements, were in the midst of a celebration in their camp, and were too disorganized and unaware to properly get into formations. All of a sudden, a great charge of Vvardenfell cavalry swept into the camp, their chitin lances impaling many Kamal before they drew their swords and began the battle.
The Rooftop of Rootspire, viewing the Battle
The Council, having had no news of reinforcements, were obviously immensely curious as to who was coming to their aid. Garyn, the Archmaster, could only smile as he realized who the Great Commander on top of the Hill was, with a great dwarven spear directing the troop movements. The Army was made of a number of contingents from around Morrowind. The Cavalry, bedecked in Red Robes and Bonemold Armor, were obviously the Redoran from Vvardenfell, trained in tough charges through ash storms. There were also the Nerevar-faced Indoril, in their bright golden uniforms, and the Blue-skirted warriors of Dres, though of these there were very few. The Green glass armor could only mean that a force of Buoyant Armigers, now serving the New Temple, had joined the Army. The rest of the great host was made up of Ashlander tribesmen and Champions, as well as many fierce-looking mercenaries.
The Councillors and their Retainers, seeing Garyn's knowing stare, demanded to know who the Army was under. He looked at them confused.
"Isn't it obvious?" He said patronizingly. "It's the King." The Councillors all peered closely, to see the great figure that was their Monarch, and supposedly the sovereign of all Morrowind. Obviously, the Great Houses were afforded much autonomy, but his father was loosely recognized after Helseth Hlaalu's fall as the Redoran King, and the Redoran defense of Morrowind from the Argonians in the Ascension War. After his death, his son, aptly named 'Symmachus' Shofets, after the great Dunmeri General. The Council were rather unfamiliar with him, as he spent most of his time on Vvardenfell in Ald-Ruhn, for a combined distaste of the Councillors as well as the central position of the City to administer the Realm. Thus Symmachus rarely found his way to Blacklight, though he was certainly a welcome sight now.
The Battlefield
The king quickly advanced his forward vanguard, surrounded by his personal house guards, into the heat of the fray. Symmachus had spent the last few weeks gathering every fighting body he could in Vvardenfell, and then set off for the Capital. He had found many groups to be reluctant, but with great oratory, he convinced many groups to join the defense, in total gathering a host of 43,000 troops. The initial Guar Cavalry charge decimated the light defenses of the Kamal camp, and they set about burning the rest of the foe out, setting tents on fire and lighting nix-hounds on fire to bound into the camp, setting it ablaze. When the Kamal Snow demons came out, they were often ill-equipped and unprepared, and were mowed down by the voracious cavalry, and finished off by the closely following infantry. After the initial suprise attack, the remaining Kamal gathered into an unorganized but compact formation, but they were flanked on multiple sides, and were unable to move as they were quickly surrounded by the much greater and better prepared army, and they began encroaching on the desperate force.
Only a small path of escape remained for the Akaviri, directly to the docks. They decided to make a break for it, lightly covering their retreat with a small force. Losing many men in the withdrawal, they finally made their way to their makeshift docks, only for a brutal discovery. Their ships had been burnt, and the Tsaesci fleet was still a long way out of port. They had only two choices; go out and swim, or hold a last stand. It was nearly 50/50, with many Kamali jumping into the rocky water below, some falling on the cliffs and dying instantly, or others making it to the sea but getting washed away by the brutal tide. Those who made a last stand fought viciously, not valiantly, and were culled by the combined-Morrowind Army.
After the victory, the King led his troops into Baan Malur triumphantly, and the Citizens, soldiers, and councillors cheered his name.
"Symmachus! Symmachus! Symmachus!" Then, the city prayed. Not only giving thanks for the victory over the Kamal Akaviri, but asking for hope in the upcoming battle with the Tsaesci.
Yes it was. Plus Leyawiin's sigil is a Stallion so it kind of just worked out.
The Emperor's Chambers
Arratius finally awoke through a broken face and swollen eyes. In a dazed state, he looked around, feeling a sharp pain through his body as he tried to move. His room was empty of people. He didn't know what part of his body hurt but he knew something wasn't right. He tried to lean up but couldn't, no matter how hard he tried. He tried to call out, but his face hurt so much, he couldn't even mutter. Then he noticed it. His armor posted onto the dummy in the corner of his room. The same ornamental armor he wore in the Defense of Leyawiin. But....it was broken. Destroyed. Wrecked. He couldn't imagine someone pulling another out of that armor. The cuirass was staved in, his shoulder armor was dented and ripped. His helmet....his helmet was torn in half. He couldn't remember what caused his armor to take such a beating. He tried to call out again, this time getting a weak mumble out before succumbing to the dark sleep.
Deepscorn
General Saciand jumped awake in her grimy and wet cell. Every night since her capture, she'd been beaten and torn and many other things. She heard whispers and rumors from the guards outside of her cell since her capture, detailing the invasion of Leyawiin and the defeat handed to them by her people. It was glorious. If only she could have seen it. She laid back down on the hard stone floor, the constant sound of water dripping through the cracks and unto the floor seemed a lullaby to her now.
High Rock post-Great War
After the destruction caused by the Great War and the events that followed, High Rock was the only province in the Empire intact. Cyrodiil was ravaged by the war, Skyrim faced internal strife and Hammerfell left to continue the war against the Aldmeri Dominion. Unfortunately for the Bretons, High Rock itself was always a land divided.
Daggerfall
King Cynric of Daggerfall is a middle-aged Breton and just inherited the throne. Daggerfall may be considered the capital of High Rock, the province is split among many kingdoms. To secure power not just in his own kingdom, but also his neighbors, a drastic move must be made. The Akaviri invasion can be that opportunity. Though safe from the Akaviri by being on the opposite edge of Tamriel, Daggerfall must not allow an Akaviri foothold on the continent.
The nibenean empire Great redoran
Emissaries of Daggerfall arrive at your capitals to offer aid against the Akaviri invasion.
(If one of the judiciary roles are open I'll gladly take it. Sadly I dont have the software to be cartographer this time.)
The Emperor of Tamriel and Trollz
The Second Wave 18th Morning Star, 4E 203
"Can I get an army estimate Trollz?" Asked one of the senior commanders of Great redoran. But with such a big word as "estimate" going a little over Trollz' only semi-sentient brain he just scratches his head and looks at the Redoran noble.
"I would say there has to be at least 20,000 Tsaesci, if not more. But this should not be much of a threat now that you have superior numbers." Maerwyn responds to the Redoran officer while peering through his scope on the cliffs overlooking the shores as Tsaesci from Akaviri are pouring out on to the shores of Vvardenfell.
The prior night the king of Great redoran, Symmachus, with a large host of 43,000 cavalry had arrived and swept the Kamal into the sea. It was a total victory for Morrowind as only a few hundred Dunmer perished, mostly in the last fierce melee on the cliffs as the Kamal fought to the death. Pushed to the sea, the Kamal found their escape cut off as Maerwyn's motley group of adventurers and the Ashlanders had destroyed their ships the night before that. Akavir's Kamal army was virtually wiped out, with only a handful escaping to the safety of their Tsaesci overlords.
"Numbers confer no advantage. The Tsaesci are legendary warriors, strong enough to conquer Tamriel once before. The Mighty of the N'Wah." The raspy voiced Ashlander chief says solemnly while starring down fixedly at the slithering masses of Akavir's second wave.
"Well speaking of numbers, looks like we're going to have to deal with more of that." Pointing his finger off to the northeast with a sour expression Maerwyn lowers the scope from his eye and hands it to the noble from Great redoran.
In the distance another armada of Akavir ships approaches. Their standard is written with Akavir language and the symbol of a monkey's face. It appears to be the Tang Mo, a race of typically kind monkey people from Akavir. Many of the Tang Mo have been enslaved at one time or another by the various greater races of Akavir. These ships bear tens of thousands of Tang Mo enslaved by the Tsaesci. From the distance the group can see their decks carrying many monkey soldiers, overseen by a handful of Tsaesci. Maerwyn estimates these ships are carrying about 20,000 Tang Mo, and perhaps about 5,000 additional Tsaesci. Which will bring the Akavir forces up to 45,000 in total - 25,000 Tsaesci and 20,000 Tang Mo.
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Seeing the fresh Akavir reinforcements arriving, the scouts and Ashlanders decide it is best to return to Baan Malur and inform King Symmachus of Great redoran of the situation. Maerwyn makes a full scout report of the enemy, estimating their numbers to be near equal to Great redoran. The Ashlander Chief again warns that the Tsaesci are not to be underestimated, citing the ancient lore about the First Akavir Invasion.
As the nobles begin discussing this new information provided by the scouts, a delegation from High Rock arrives in Baan Malur from the new Kingdom of Ardoland. The Bretons offer their aid to the Dunmer and attend a private conference with nobles of Great redoran. As Maerwyn and Medea roam the halls of Baan Malur an ethereal female voice greets them.
"Maerwyn….Medea....Trollzakhin… I knew I would see you again." A redheaded Breton woman walks forward and pats Trollz on the head whom in excitement to see her again licks her face happily.
"Cassandra!" Medea happily exclaims walking over and giving the Breton woman a hug.
"I foresee much hardship in the near future, and yet.... the lines of your fates do not end here in Morrowind." Cassandra, one of the last living people skilled in the defunct magic school of Mysticism, speaks airily.
"Well I think we should take the prophetess at her word and return to Solstheim then, a nice quiet peaceful life sounds great about now." Maerwyn mentions but the others pay him no heed.
"I have seen by the Divines in my dreams....the shores of Tamriel and the shores of Akavir. From Akavir's shores many tidal waves issued out pounding against Tamriel's shores. I saw Tamriel weather the first wave and break it into foam. The second wave came and overtook the beaches. Though Tamriel's springs of waters poured out and fought against the waters of Akavir trying to push them back to the sea, the sea remained upon the shores. Thence comes the third wave and the water spilled forth across Tamriel, filling many of the cities of the continent. Then the dream went dark..." Cassandra ominously prophesies.
"Well I guess that means all is lost, what a shame. Let's just go back home then and enjoy the nice quiet life." Maerwyn prattles off, again ignored by his companions.
Then the doors of the council chambers of Great redoran opened and the Breton delegation from Ardoland emerge. Their expressions are mixed and it is unclear to the motley crew of adventurers whether Redoran accepted their proposals or what was discussed. The Bretons motion for Cassandra to come with them.
"If it pleases you all, I would like to remain with my friends here." Cassandra does a short curtsy to her fellow Bretons and turns to Maerwyn and Medea. "If you will have me of course."
"As you wish." A Breton ambassador nods to Cassandra and walks past her.
"You are always welcome with us. I am so glad to see you again!" Medea smiles at Cassandra and the two women embrace in another girly hug.
"Ohhhh I'll never see home!" Maerwyn groans loudly, but is ignored again as Medea, Cassandra, and Trollz walk off to assist in the preparations for the upcoming battle against the Akaviri Invasion.
The Emperor of Tamriel, The great empire of cyrodiil, Trollz, and The nibenean empire
Rootspire, Baan Malur
The king and his retinue walk out of the Council Hall unto the group of motley adventurers and the Troll known as Trollz. Symmachus, a tall and lean youth of only around 40, overheard Maerwyn gripe about his homesickness, and an embarrassed look overtook him.
"I apologize for the matters of Morrowind drawing you from the calm life," he said, scratching his shaped brown goatee, "But you have been very resourceful, and provided great help to my house of Redoran and my kingdom. I hope I can offer you temporary lodgings in my palace, for as long as you are willing to stay. If you consent, I would take you into my personal service. We may need you yet."
And with that, he strode off, his bonemold-armored guard following close behind.
The preceding conversation in the Council Chambers, initiated by the Retinue of Breton Ambassadors from Ardoland, was over the discussion of Daggerfallian aid to the Capital. The Redoran council, overlooking local affairs, were very much against any foreign aid, especially from an Imperial subject-kingdom.
The King Symmachus, however, had the whole of Resdayn to protect, and he was more open to the idea of Breton Aid. In the end, King and Council compromised, agreeing to limited help from Daggerfall. The terms, should the Breton consuls accept them, where the following.
Terms of Daggerfallian Aid to Baan Malur
-No Imperial Legions are to enter Morrowind. Solely Daggerfall Breton Troops will be acceptable.
-The Breton Army shall not enter the City of Baan Malur unless given explicit permission by a Tribunal of Redoran Councillors. This tribune must be unanimous.
-The question of reward will be decided solely by the Daggerfall Monarchy, and the Redoran are not responsible for the payment of the Breton Soldiers.
-The Daggerfallian troops will be subject to Dunmer and Temple Law whilst in Morrowind. Should they disobey the law, they will suffer the same punishments as a Dunmer Civilian. If the punishment is not Capital, they will be exiled permanently from Morrowind, under pain of Death.
With these terms, the King concluded the meeting, with no side particularly happy or upset. He then stood and departed, to make preparations for the second defense of Baan Malur. This time, the fight would be even. And, he thought to himself, it would be glorious.
The Emperor of Tamriel and Trollz
The majority of the Breton diplomats nod in agreement to the terms, but still engage in a quick debate amongst themselves. Eventually, one of the consuls turn to the King and councilors.
"These terms are acceptable, on a condition. My King will no doubt request that the dunmer aid in supplying food and medical potions to the army he graciously sends. The distance between our provinces will interfere with proper supply. King Cynric promises at least 15,000 Bretons will come to your aid! As for the 'reward' we seek, once the Akaviri have been repelled, that trade fully opens between Daggerfall and Morrowind, and trade entering Iliac Bay must go through Daggerfall ports first. Are the conditions acceptable? "
The Emperor of Tamriel, Trollz, and Hjaalmarch0
In 4E 222, on the 4th day of First Seed, the Kingdom of Hjaalmarch was founded after declaring independence from the Empire peacefully for successfully defeating the Stormcloak rebellion along with the Empire in 4E 201. Ogrug-Gat an Orsimer who was originally from Orsinium supported the Empire during the civil war, married a Nord named Ysolda who is now Queen Ysolda-Gat, resides in the Winstad Manor in Hjaalmarch northeast of Morthal the former Capital of the Kingdom and is now High King of Hjaalmarch reigning over three former holds of Skyrim; Hjaalmarch, The Pale, and The Winterhold. In 4E 228, on the 10th day of Hearthfire, The Storm Cloak Jarls of the Pale and The Winterhold saw economic benefits as well as cultural benefits. The Stormcloak Jarls took refuge in Morthal until the "Treaty of Secession" was signed which states the Imperial Jarls gives power back to the Storm cloak Jarls and must secede from the Empire to become Holds of the Kingdom of Hjaalmarch then in return, safe passage to any city of their choosing within the Province of Skyrim, always welcomed back as noble visitors, and to allow Imperial Camps within the Kingdom's borders to support the Kingdom's defense. After the annexation of the 2 holds, a Moot was called to Morthal, to recognize Ogrug-Gat and Ysolda-Gat as High King and High Queen of Hjaalmarch and officially declare the City of Winterhold as the permanent Capital city of the Kingdom of Hjaalmarch.
The Emperor of Tamriel, Trollz, Great redoran, and Ardoland
The Royal Army of Hjaalmarch based in Winterhold Capital has conducted a racial population survey throughout Hjaalmarch to see who is a citizen, what race they are, and who is dead. Bandits, criminals, rogue mages, etc. Are not considered citizens of Hjaalmarch.
Nords: 71% Dunmer: 5% Imperial: 4% Altmer: 3% Redguard: 4% Breton: 4% Orsimer 3% Khajit: 1% Argonian: 1% Bosmer: 0% Deaths: 3%
Nord: 67
Dunmer: 5
Imperial: 4
Altmer: 3
Redguard: 4
Breton: 4
Orc: 3
Bosmer: 0
Khajit: 1
Argonian: 1
Population by race in holds:
Nord: 14
Dunmer: 0
Imperial: 0
Altmer: 0
Redguard: 2
Breton: 0
Orc: 1
Bosmer: 0
Khajit: 0
Argonian: 1
Nord: 25
Dunmer: 2
Imperial: 3
Altmer: 0
Redguard: 2
Breton: 1
Orc: 1
Bosmer: 0
Khajit: 0
Argonian: 0
Total: 28
Nord: 16
Dunmer: 3
Imperial: 1
Altmer: 3
Redguard: 0
Breton: 3
Orc: 1
Bosmer: 0
Khajit: 1
Argonian: 0
Nord: 3
Dunmer: 0
Imperial: 0
Altmer: 0
Redguard: 0
Breton: 0
Orc: 0
Bosmer: 0
Khajit: 0
Argonian: 0
The Emperor of Tamriel, The great empire of cyrodiil, and Trollz
The Hjaalmarch Courier. 4E 229, 8th day of Midyear on Middas.
Topic: Murder in Dawnstar on the 6th day of Midyear on Morndas.
"Recently at Dawnstar, The Pale Hold, the Kingdom of Hjaalmarch on a Morndas night. An Imperial patrol from a nearby Imperial camp came to Dawnstar then ambushed and killed a Pale Guard. King Ogrug-Gat along with his House Carl witnessed this death and punished the Imperial soldiers with execution. One was beheaded and the other 2 turned to ash so they would never have proper burials. The Jarl of The Pale Skald the Elder was furious and has prepared a funeral for the guard. The guard was a Pale Hold Native Nord named, Christoff Mead. After the family was notified, they said that he worshipped Vaermina. The worship of Daedra is not outlawed in Hjaalmarch but in Dawnstar after the Nightmares it had endured by Vaermina it was frowned upon. The people brought Christoff to the Nightcaller Temple overlooking Dawnstar and buried him outside the temple, A Divine turned Vaermina Preist gave Christoff a proper burial and has sent a prayer to Vaermina. As far as we know, there was no retaliation from the Empire."
Topic: Murder of the Loreius Family on the 7th day of Midyear on Tirdas.
"During the Kingdom-wide survey of the race population in the Kingdom, the Royal Convoy stopped by the Loreius family farm located in The Pale Hold. Upon entering the house, both the husband and wife were dead on the floor. The Royal Convoy set up a perimeter around the property searching for clues. The husband was next to the bed and the wife was next to the fireplace. According to the Royal Convoy, they saw no blood, no dead hostiles or feral animals, the livestock in the farm are unharmed. They suspect two possibilities they let a visitor in and the visitor poisoned their food or they committed suicide by poison. The case is still ongoing."
The Emperor of Tamriel and Trollz
The Hjaalmarch Courier 4E 229, 9th day of Midyear on Turdas.
Topic: The Loreius family Murder Update.
"His Royal Majesty has confirmed with The Pale Hold authorities that the Loreius family were murdered in their home in the middle of the night by a knife attack. The Pale Guards have no suspects as of yet but are suspecting possible bandits or others in the area and will begin investigating, arresting, and if necessary killing any criminals in the area. His Majesty King Ogrug-Gat demands Skald the Elder to find the suspect who murdered the two married Nords. The Loreius has no heirs or inheritance, therefore, the property belongs to the Pale Hold and is currently off-limits to travelers. The case is still ongoing."
Topic: The Grand Temple of Julianos has been built in The Pale Hold.
"His Majesty High King Ogrug-Gat has finally constructed the Grand Temple of Julianos. The Grand Temple was built as a worshipping place for the Divine Julianos, School of Knowledge, School of Conjuration magic, and the Art of Nitōryū(Two-Sword Dance) to teach citizens and visitors how to fight with two bound swords summoned by conjuration magic while meditating along with it, also helps with self-defense. The other part of the Dance is taught by the power of Alteration magic, hardening your skin. The Ranks of the Art of Nitoryu is in the form of colored robes; 1st Rank: Blue Robes. 2nd Rank: Black Robes. 3rd Rank: Necromancer Robes. 4th Rank: Monk Robes. Final and Highest Rank: Wooden Mask to go with the Monk robes. Maybe if our Couriers would make a stop there during their deliveries maybe they can actually defend themselves from the wilderness?"
I created a factbook for the Imperial Legion as councilor of defense.
page=dispatch/id=1249534
The Emperor of Tamriel, Trollz, and Hjaalmarch0
Before the meeting concludes, the Bretons make a slight amendment. The Redoran grumble about limiting trade, but the King agrees that it is fair, as well as practical, because Daggerfall is at the tip of the Iliac, and a good place to resupply. Though, to clarify, the Dunmer meant reward for the Breton troops, not the Daggerfall kingdom. They request that the Diplomats hurry back, so that they may reinforce Baan Malur in time.
After the meeting concludes, the diplomats rush back to their ship to return home.
Daggerfall
The news of the agreement has reached King Cynric. While negotiations were occurring, the kingdom was mustering its army. While levies are still in the process of being raised and quickly trained, the kingdom's standing army was prepared for the campaign. As promised, 15,000 Bretons soldiers marched onto their transports.
Composition of Relief Army:
-3,000 Archers
-3,000 Mounted Knights/Assorted Cavalry
-4,000 Pikemen
-5,000 Swordsmen/Axemen
The army sails as fast as they can to reach Blacklight, hoping they arrive in time to defeat the Akaviri invaders.
The Emperor's Chambers
The Emperor jumped awake, nearly falling out of bed in the process, yelling at the top of his lungs. His wife, who'd slept by his side the past two nights, jumped awake with him, a shell-shocked look upon her face.
Arratius' swelling on his face had receded to the point of normalcy and he saw much clearer. The Generals and doctors rushed in. The last to rush in was General Odenius, commanding officer for the Leyawiinian defense.
"How long have I been asleep?" Asked the Emperor, who grabbed his side in severe pain.
"Easy, Your Majesty, you have several broken ribs." Whispered the doctor who assisted him in returning properly to his bedding.
"About a week, Your Majesty. When the wall came down, you were buried under it. It took us hours to find you under all of the stone and brick." Spoke General Odenius. Arratius nodded.
"And of the Akaviri?"
"Scouts report no further activity aside from the few thousand survivors at Deepscorn. We've broken their army but ours is exhausted. We've lost so much. I've ordered the remaining men we have to stay in defensive formations around Leyawiin." Reported the General.
"Why, General? Why have we not wiped them out. We still have people rotting away in their dungeons."
"Aside from the garrisons in our territories, we have only 37,000 men left. I didn't want to risk another costly attack unless I was completely sure that victory was assured." Said the General, his hands behind his back and spine straight. The Emperor sighed.
"After Saciand's failed attack, that is probably the smartest move. Are there any signs of reinforcements coming?" Asked the Emperor.
"Not that we know of. I have ships posted around the bay area and scouts along the shoreline."
A wave of anxiety and anger washed over the Emperor. His mighty Empire, the once feared military, reduced to so few men. Enough to defend Leyawiin, but not much else. If another Akaviri attack would commence, he feared his warriors wouldn't be able to hold them off again. And with the southern wall knocked down, it wouldn't take them much to overrun the capital.
"As much as it pains me to say it, Generals, we need help. Our enemy is.....stronger than we thought, smarter, more plentiful. Aside from the Colovians, who can help us?"
A Breton envoy from Daggerfall arrived a few days ago and is offering aid. I did not want to answer until you awoken, your Majesty."
"We have no choice. I will see this breton. Bring him here." The Generals nodded and sent a soldier to retrieve him.
"And.....send a messenger to the Colovians. We could use their help as well."
Once the Emperor was ready to meet the envoy, the Breton follows the guards to the ruler of the Niben. The Breton envoy bows before the Emperor in the south.
"Your excellency. My liege, King Cynric, has noticed that few are resisting the Akaviri invasions, and those who are have received little help. So he offers aid in the form of an army. King Cynric promises 20,000 soldiers to join the fight against the Akaviri! However, it will take some time for them to reach Leyawiin. Our transports won't be able to sail through Aldmeri Dominion seas with troops. They will sail to the coast of Colovia and march southwards to come to your aid. Can Leyawiin survive another siege until our arrival, your excellency?"
The Emperor nodded ever so slightly as he got up from his bed, stumbled a bit and regained his footing.
"If the Akaviri come again, we will hold. For as long as it takes." said the Emperor, not out of pride or strength, but out of necessity.
Chorrol
A single rider bearing the banner of the Niben rode hard to the front gates, it's horse exhausted and upon the brink of unconsciousness. The rider dismounted as he was confronted by Colovian guardsmen.
"I come bearing news from Emperor Medora. I must speak to the King, at once."
Lords of the Lash 25th Morning Star, 4E 203
Over the course of the week the Dunmer of Great redoran had greatly bolstered their defenses; repairing walls, strengthening the gates, and digging trapped trenches and pits outside the city of Baan Malur. Redoran and the Breton kingdom of Ardoland also reached a diplomatic agreement. Troops from High Rock should be en route to Baan Malur soon. The Ashland Chief elected to keep what was left of his small force inside the city this time, but sent a handful of men back to the various Ashland tribes to try to get the other tribes to send whatever warriors that were left. For a few days the army foraged widely to restock as much supplies as they could until the Akavir armies finally came up from the coast and set the siege.
Three days prior the masses of Tsaesci and Tang Mo came up and swarmed around the city. For the first day they set to making a camp and there was very little activity from the enemy. On the second day near dawn, the pounding of Tang Mo drums filled the air followed by the long blast of Tsaesci horns. On the third day, today the drums and horns were heard again, and this time the enemy began their advance at the first rays of sunlight. Quickly, the soldiers of Great redoran assumed their stations on the wall.
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Maerwyn mounts the walls and peering out below he sees the enemy forming up. In the front of the enemy lines are the Tang Mo. Mixed in with the Tang Mo are Tsaesci overseers wielding whips. Another long blast of the Tsaesci' horns sounds out and at once, the Tsaesci overseers begin cracking their whips upon the backs of the Tang Mo, driving them forward. Running forward, many the Tang Mo fall into the deadly trapped pits and are impaled. Some of the monkey people of Akavir shrink back and hesitate as they see their brothers swallowed up by the traps, but the Tsaesci lash their backs forcing them on. Pits are filled with the dead bodies and the cries of the injured Tang Mo. The Tang Mo reach the walls and the Tsaesci main force comes up behind them laying down material to cover the pits.
Maerwyn lets loose his arrows along with the archers of Great redoran. Medea and Cassandra begins firing off spells at the enemy below. At the orders of the Tsaesci the Tang Mo begin to scale the walls in numbers. These monkey men are natural acrobats and climbers. Behind them the Tsaesci bring up ladders. The defenders try to fight off the Tang Mo, sending down missiles, rocks, and whatever they can to stop the masses crawling up the walls. Eventually the Tang Mo manage to overtake the walls, but not without great loss. In places the Tang Mo help the Tsaesci to establish their ladders, and also lower ropes to their masters to let them ascend the walls.
Swordsmen and other melee fighters rush up the walls to try to rebuff the enemy. On the western wing of the wall Sir Jaquavis, Soregh, and the Ashland Chief have flung themselves into battle with the Tang Mo and a whirlwind of spears and swords cut the enemy to pieces. Soregh though fighting fiercely is wounded by a few arrows incoming from below. On the eastern wing a large group of Tang Mo had assembled when suddenly Sir Plutarch comes barreling intp them swinging his mighty warhammer he sends three Akavir over the wall in one blow. Portly Sir Plutarch throws himself bodily into the mass smashing down enemies and throwing others off the wall as they are crowded together. Sir Mazog and Trollz ascends the eastern wall accompanied by some Great redoran soldiers and helps their burly Imperial friend.
In the middle of the wall over the main gate, Maerwyn is dodging arrows and sending some back in reply to his foes below. A few Tang Mo have managed to ascend near here and have lowered ropes allowing a Tsaesci to slither up the wall to help me. Wielding a whip the Tsaesci overseer snaps the back of his Tang Mo followers directing them to begin engaging Maerwyn before he wraps his whip around the neck of a poor Redoran archer and strangles the Dunmer soldier to death. The Tang Mo leap forward at Maerwyn, whom dispatches one immediately with an arrow. Medea smites another with a fireball, levelling her Destruction magic up in the process. Cassandra who doesn't possess much by way of offensive magic, sends some weak sparks at the enemy but a Tang Mo wielding a staff knocks her unconscious with a whack to the head. Medea blows that Tang Mo away with a frost spell and runs forward to grab Cassandra's limp body and pull her out of the way.
The Tsaesci overlord bears down on Maerwyn whom misses a shot at him. Uncoiling himself and standing at a terrifying height the snakeman pushes his own Tang Mo soldiers over the wall and rushes at Maerwyn. Maerwyn lets loose another arrow striking the Tsaesci in the shoulder just as the Akavir lets his whip fly. Connecting to Maerwyn, the lash wraps around his neck, and with a tug, is set. Standing at full height the Tsaesci give an enormous jerk and throws Maerwyn over the edge of the wall. Like a noose around his neck the whip is strangling him as the Tsaesci laughs a cruel hissing laugh at Maerwyn flailing and his face turning blue. Maerwyn's body starts spasming from loss of oxygen, and his frantic limb movement settle down, he tries to kick against the wall and find a footing, but to no avail.
Seeing this dreadful sight, Trollz dashes in from the eastern wall where he had been helping Sir Plutarch and Sir Mazog. With a great trollroar Trollz tackles the Tsaesci whom looks up just in time to see the sinewy troll come at him. Tackled to the floor of the wall, the Tsaesci lets go of the whip, but Trollz just in time snatches it saving Maerwyn from plunging to his death, but still hung on the end, the Wood Elf is running low of breath and his face is turning purple. A ferocious hiss escapes the Tsaesci as it recovers and unsheathes a two-handed akaviri dai katana. Seeing Trollz can only fight with one arm the akaviri warrior slashes at Trollz whom dodges the first few attacks, but is finally slashed badly in the chest. Another slash badly wounds Trollz's free arm, and with an insidious stab to the stomach Trollz lets out a frightful trollshriek and is bent over, still holding the line on which Maerwyn is hanging. Rearing itself up again at full height the Tsaesci seems to gloat in its hissing laughter at Trollz. Holding the dai katana high above his head the Tsaesci overseer prepares a execution blow for Trollz.
Just as the snakeman goes to finish Trollz off there is a suddenly flash of light. The Finger of the Mountain strikes the Tsaesci squarely in the chest. So powerful is the spell that the Tsaesci is dead well before his body crashes to the ground below having been sent flying by the power of the spell. Medea, her massive breasts heaving in exhaustion as the Finger of the Mountain spell which she learned months a go in Sadrith Mora, but had never been levelled up enough to use until now, had depleted her mana. She pulls out a potion and pours it on Trollz' wound to the stomach and helping him regain a little strength, and the two exert the last of their efforts to pull Maerwyn up.
Sir Jaquavis dashes over just as Trollz collapses from his wounds, and cuts the whip around Maerwyn's neck. Maerwyn's face is still blue and he doesn't move at all. His neck bears the ugly welts of having hung for so long over the wall. Medea falls on top of him desperately crying for him to wake up. Sir Mazog and Sir Plutarch rush over, cutting ropes and kicking ladders as they go. Sir Mazog reaches Maerwyn and stops and looking down at his body he begins to weep. Soldiers from Great redoran reclaim the walls and sending a massive shower of arrows down on the immediate attackers, drive them back. A handful of Tang Mo slaves still on the walls seeing their overseers have forsaken them for the day, promptly surrender. The soldiers take the wounded and the dead off the walls and to the healers or to the graves. As they reach Maerwyn's body and try to take it away Medea emotionally throws herself on top of him.
"No, please, he can't be dead!" Medea pleas with the soldiers.
""I am sorry..he fought bravely, but there is nothing that can be done." King Symacchus of Great redoran bend down and goes to lift up Medea.
"No!" Medea screams and pulls herself out of the Redoran King's consolation. She bends down and kisses Maerwyn's cold blue lips, her tears running over his face, "Please, don't be dead."
"M-Medea?" Maerwyn's eyes open a little and his begins coughing, his face turns from blue to pale.
"Maerwyn!" Medea exclaims in surprise before bending over and kissing Maerwyn's face all over. "Maerwyn, I love you." Medea's tears pour forth and she lifts his head up kissing him full on the lips again. "Don't leave me my love."
"M-Medea...I.."Maerwyn gives a feeble grin, but then passes out unconscious again.
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After some effort the soldiers of Great redoran peel the beautiful blonde Nordic mage away from her beloved. Maerwyn is taken down from the wall and to the healers whom are tending to Trollz, Soregh, and Cassandra and many other wounded. The handful of captured Tang Mo are locked away in prison and attempts are made to interrogate them, but so far the speech barrier between them and their captors has not be figured out.
For now the Akaviri are rebuffed, but below the drums and the horns and the cracks of whips can be heard as the enemy reorganizes reminding the defenders that they are still locked in the siege.
Baan Malur
After the rancor of the first battle, it was unclear if there was a victor or not. While the Tsaesci attack was repulsed, they had shown no hesitation to attack a greater host, and even managed to capture a wall, albeit temporarily.
Symmachus sat with his council, unsure what to do. if they waited for the bretons, there was a chance of another Attack. if they rallied outside the walls, they were exposed to a potentially worse battle position. An idea took form in his mind, however, that would destroy the Tsaesci force with minimum casualties.
The POW Cells, Blacklight Dungeon
Symmachus surveyed the prisoners, noting their bizarre and otherworldly speech. Finally, one spoke up to him, in broken, crude Cyrodiilic.
"You free us, King of Ashmen? We have not this chosen path, but enslaved by thrice-cursed Tsaesci. Bring us here, in great wood tanks!" The Monkey stuttered through the bars.
The king contemplated the creature, asking if he would represent all the tang Mo prisoners. When they discussed it amongst themselves in their ape dialect, they appeared to come to an agreement.
The king then made his plans with the elected Tangmo leader, called Yingdo. They would incite a slave revolt of all the Tangmo in the Tsaesci camp. He promptly equipped and released ten, but kept the remainder as leverage, including Yingdo after he had issued his fellow monkeys the orders.
Military Hospital, Skar Street, Baan Malur
The Temple faithful were assigned a comatose wood elf, believed to be too far gone to be saved. His friends and companions, many of whom were injured, refused to leave his room, and the Priests made sure to do everything on their ability to ease his passing. They covered his wounds in scrib jelly salve and gave him a draught of sujamma. His fate is in the hands of the gods and good Daedra.
Coast of Morrowind
The Daggerfall fleet arrives at their first destination: the mouth of the river near Blacklight. From there they unload the army. Once that task is dealt with, the fleet then sails away. The army marches toward Blacklight, prepared for the coming battle.
Akaviri Landing
The fleet commander, Lord Osman, hoped his gamble would pay off. The Akaviri wouldn't expect an attack on their landed fleet. For the Tsaesci and Kamal planned on conquering further and further inland, with no intention of a long retreat back home. The Daggerfall fleet was outnumbered, but they had the element of surprise and counting on most of the Akaviri fleet to be anchored or landed.
Worming Information 26th Morning Star, 4E 203
Trollz natural propensity for regeneration as well as the skilled hands of the healers of Baan Malur have him well recuperated by the late night. Great redoran guards seeing the troll is healed, go to escort him from the makeshift hospital to free up his bed for the other wounded. Before he leaves Trollz shambles over to Maerwyn whom is still in a bad state laying on a bed with Medea by his side. Trollz lets out a sad little sound looking down at his first friend. Trollz gives Maerwyn a lick to the face and the Wood Elf shudders a little bit in his sleep.
"He's going to be okay Trollz, you get some rest." Medea says softly and pats Trollz on the head.
The guards escort Trollz out of the building and into the main square of the city. From another building Great redoran guards lead a pack of ten Tang Mo prisoners out of the dungeons. The soldiers look on curiously as the guards undo the Tang Mo fetters, releasing them. Another Tang Mo, whose name is Yingdo and can speak the common tongue is led out to speak to his comrades and translate for those present. They go over the plan of King Symacchus of Great redoran to release these captives to stir up trouble in the Akaviri ranks.
"There a problem. Tsaesci will be suspect of Tang Mo returning to camp. They care not for Tang Mo lives. If they suspect of Tang Mo, they may kill Tang Mo on sight." Yingdo in broken common speech states.
"Oi, grab that troll, I have an idea." Exclaims one of the Dunmer.
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Without any of his friends around, the Dunmer take hold of Trollz and put him with the Tang Mo captives that are to be released. One of the Tang Mo is instructed to hold Trollz at knifepoint, two others are given their staves back. Suddenly Baan Malur is filled with commotion, shouting, and a few spells thrown into the air as if in battle. Outside the sound of a long Tsaesci horn blast signals that the besiegers are awake and alert. The gates are suddenly flung open and the Tang Mo dash out of the city, a handful back out cautiously with Trollz holding him at knifepoint as a few Great redoran troops walk out the gates feigning to negotiate.
"All right you are free to go, now release the troll." The same Dunmer soldier that crafted the plan shouts at them.
The Tang Mo holding the knife wavers and begins to lower it to allow Trollz to return to safety when suddenly out of the darkness a slithering mass of Tsaesci come up to the gate in numbers. The Great redoran soldiers panic at this unexpected show of forces and hurry back inside. Trollz runs after them, but before he can enter the city the gate is shut. Trollz pounds on the gate wailing. Suddenly, he feels several strong hands grab him from behind and begin dragging him off to the Akaviri camp.
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Trollz finds himself suspended, chained by the arms in the tent of a Tsaesci commander. The snakemen are not quite sure what to make of him as they have never encountered a troll before. A few of the senior Tsaesci officers apparently are debating what to do with their trophy in their harsh hissing language. One of the more intelligent Tsaesci slithers up to Trollz and attempts to speak to him in the common speech.
"Who are you? What are you?" the Tsaesci's voice is almost like a loud whisper, its voice rattles as it draws breath. Trollz just looks at the Tsaesci and the commanders go back to debating with themselves. One produces his whip and motions for the others to turn Trollz around in order to lash him. However as they turn Trollz around to have his back face the Tsaesci they are alarmed and even drop the whip.
"Sssssaviour'ssss Hide!" Screeches the intelligent Tsaesci.
"Hircssssssine!" Sputters another.
"What doessssss it mean?? It isssssss grafted to hissssss back!" Hisses the intelligent Tsaesci. This Tsaesci pulls out his dai katana and stabs at Trollz back, but the blade is turned away by the Hide on Trollz back. Amazed, the Tsaesci turn Trollz around to face them again and try to interrogate him, but to no avail as Trollz speechcraft skill is exceptionally low.
The intelligent Tsaesci gets an idea and casts Command Humanoid on Trollz. He then asks Trollz the same questions, but to no avail as the spell doesn't seem to work on Trollz, which puzzles his captors even more. Trying another spell, the Tsaesci commander casts Command Creature on Trollz. At once Trollz' eyes slide out of focus and his mind goes blank as if in a fog. Out of the mental fog as if in a great distance he can hear the Tsaesci voice in his head and understand their speech.
"It worksssss! Sssso, it issss an animal!" The Tsaesci with the whip says excitedly to his fellows.
"What isss your name? What are you?" The intelligent Tsaesci's voice fills Trollz head compelling him to answer.
"Trollz! Troll!" Trollz answers back absentmindedly.
"Trollssssssss? Where are trollsssss?" The Tsaesci probes.
"Bedrock Break." Trollz speaks after a few moments, remembering the cozy little trollhole that he was born in and which he hasn't seen for so long.
"How did you get the Sssssaviour'ssss Hide?" The Tsaesci continues his questioning.
"C-cursed. Pain.....Hircine cursed Trollz.....PAIN!" Trollz suddenly screams out and the spell is broken from the painful memory of when Hircine had flayed his back and grafted the Saviour's Hide to him, turning him into a weretroll.
The Tsaesci commanders look at each other in astonishment. They begin debating on killing Trollz to remove the Hide. One favors this idea, but the intelligent Tsaesci commander advises against it, fearing it may bring the wrath of the Daedra against them. The two begin to argue fiercely when suddenly there is a great explosion and a commotion outside in the Akaviri camp. One of the Tsaesci exits the tent and then returns, his slit like pupils narrow and he screams in his language, the only word being intelligible is "Tang Mo." The other Tsaesci commanders draw out their dai katanas and exit the tent leaving Trollz hanging by his arms from the roof.
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With the sound of battle outside, Trollz wriggles around trying to wrest himself from the chains, but it is no use, he cannot get the leverage from the ground to use his mighty troll strength to free himself. A fireball suddenly rips a hole in the tent and the outside can be seen. Seeing the sight of the fire run up the tent freaks Trollz out and he struggles more than ever out of his primal fear of fire. Utter turmoil reigns outside in the Akavir camp and the Tsaesci and the Tang Mo are fighting each other.
Trollz looks up at his sinewy chained arms and then looking back outside at the chaos, he whimpers. He wishes within himself that he had no arms. Suddenly an idea comes to him. With a sigh and a cry Trollz allows himself to transform. Writhing in his chains and contorting painfully his body begin to shrink. His big troll head faces upwards with a trollscream of pain, and his neck disappears. His legs come together, fusing into a tail. Shrinking in size rapidly now and feeling all his bones disappear, his arms vanish and he falls to the ground. Trollz has turned into a kwama forager!
Recovering from the transformation, Trollz in kwama forager form slinks out of the hole in the tent. All around the Tang Mo are running madly about trying to free their brothers and setting Tsaesci tents on fire. The Tsaesci slither about ferociously lashing the Tang Mo into obedience, and engaging in battle with those that resist. In the chaos they don't notice the little wormlike kwama forager slinking past them.
Trollz catches sight of the intelligent Tsaesci that was interrogating him fighting two Tang Mo at once. The fierce Akaviri warlord cuts them down ruthlessly. Trollz suddenly feels a kick and is sent flying a few yards as some Tang Mo accidentally punt him across the scene on their way to engage the Tsaesci. Recovering, and somewhat hurt, Trollz presses on towards the city.
Suddenly a shower of arrows falls upon the Akavir frontline. Great redoran is sallying forth from the city to make the most of the confusion in their enemy's ranks. Horns blast from both sides as the Tsaesci try to regain order in their camp and as King Symacchus of Great redoran issues out a cavalry charge. Trollz panicked manages to narrowly avoid being squished to death by the charging guar-mounted Dunmer.
Finally reaching the city wall of Baan Malur, Trollz catches sight of Sir Mazog, Sir Plutarch, and Sir Jaquavis rushing out with a battalion of Dunmer infantry to engage the Akaviri. Not far behind them the Ashland Chief with Soregh and some tribesmen also join the battle. Trollz seeing that the gate is too full of traffic spots a little drainage hole. Squeezing his kwama forager body through the opening he enters the city. Transforming painfully back into his normal troll form, Trollz collapses in the street from both the pain and the fatigue of having to transform twice in one night.
«12. . .3,1063,1073,1083,1093,1103,1113,112. . .3,1273,128»
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